Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is known to almost every resident of Turkey. Reformer and politician, participant in the revolutionary movement in Turkey and the first president of the Republic of Turkey. The name of Mustafa Kemal is on a par with the famous leaders of the national liberation movements of different states
Biography of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Mustafa Kemal was born in Thessaloniki in Greece in 1881. His exact date of birth is not known. Some sources indicate March 12, while others indicate May 19. The first date is considered official, and he chose the second one after the start of the struggle for Turkish independence. The real name of the great Turkish reformer Mustafa Riza. He added the nickname Kemal to his name while studying at a military school for his knowledge of mathematics. The title Ataturk - the father of the Turks - Mustafa received after recognition as his national leader of the state.
Mustafa's family are customs officials. By the time Mustafa Thessaloniki was born, they were ruled by the Turks and suffered from the strong oppression of the new government. Mustafa’s father and mother were Turks by blood, but the family may include ancestors of the Greeks, Slavs, or Tatars. In addition to Mustafa, the family had three more children. Two brothers died in infancy, and the sister lived to adulthood.
The boy received his primary education at a Muslim school, then at the age of 12 he transferred to a military school. The character of the young man was rather difficult. He was known as a rude, quick-tempered and straightforward man. Mustafa was an active and independent child. Practically not communicating with his peers and sister, Mustafa preferred to remain alone. He did not listen to the opinions of others and did not compromise. In the future, this greatly affected his career and life. Mustafa Kemal made many enemies.
Political activities of Mustafa Kemal
While studying at the Ottoman Academy of the General Staff, Mustafa was fond of reading the books of Voltaire, Rousseau. He studied the biographies of prominent historical figures. It was then that patriotism and nationalism began to arise in it. As a cadet, Mustafa showed interest in the Young Turks, who advocated Turkey's independence from the Ottoman sultans.
After graduation, Mustafa Kemal organized several secret societies that were engaged in the fight against corruption in the Turkish government. For his activities, he was arrested and exiled to Damascus, where he founded the Vatan party. This party is currently one of the most influential organizations in Turkey.
In 1908, Mustafa took part in the Young Turks revolution. The Constitution of 1876 was restored, but there were no major changes in the country. Kemal switched to military activities.
Mustafa Kemal's military career
As a talented commander and commander, Mustafa Kemal proved himself during the First World War. For the battle with the English - French landing in the Dardanelles received the title of Pasha. In Kemal's military career, the victories of 1915 in the battles of Kireptep and Anafartalar stand out. His work at the Ministry of Defense also deserves attention.
After the end of World War I, the state began to disintegrate into separate territories. Mustafa called for the preservation of the unity of the country, and in 1920 created a new parliament - the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. At the first meeting, Mustafa Kemal was elected head of government and chairman of parliament. In October 1923, Mustafa became president of the Republic of Turkey.
As President of Turkey, Kemal has undertaken many reforms to make the state more modern. He advocated a change in the education system, improved the social structure, and restored the economic independence of Turkey.
